Brings to Mind He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind. 1 Chronicles 28:12 The Holy Spirit brings to mind what we need to remember. He has a plan for us to follow. His plans are for our good and what’s best for our entire circle of influence. Miraculously, the Spirit can cut through all the clutter of our concerns and remind us of a simple thought. What may seem an ‘out of the blue’ idea to us, is squarely on the heart of Christ. Thus, we keep an open mind so our heavenly Father can bring to mind His thoughts. Similar to an unused app on a mobile device, the Holy Spirit can retrieve old information in our brain and bring it top of mind. However, there is an ongoing tension between the preparation required on our part and that which is under the Spirit’s control. Yes, we need to research, plan and prepare. God can bless a mess, but He normally blesses a plan. We must not presume on His favor. But, if we are not careful our thorough plan can become an idol of efficiency and we miss the Spirit’s prompting to adjust as we go. A plan drafted in the safe confines of the general’s tent often unfolds differently in the heat of battle. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). Furthermore, not only does the Holy Spirit remind us of thoughts already embedded in our brain, He also brings new thoughts to mind. Since God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, we are wise to humbly usher into our minds new concepts that challenge our neat categories. Perhaps the Spirit is saying: let your spouse manage the finances, forgive and seek healing from a past hurt, quietly serve others, be generous in giving, or seek out a forgotten friend or family member. Or, get to know someone for a year before you make a significant commitment. God’s thoughts are radically different, hence easily recognized, if we are paying attention. Above all, we are wise to keep our mind’s eye on our master Jesus. It may be that He speaks through a rapturous praise song as we lumber through rush hour traffic. A seat on a mossy rock beside a babbling brook may bubble up His love within our soul. He may warn us through a child’s honest question, ‘Why are you sad?’ Thus, we marinate our minds in truth, so the Spirit has a deep reservoir of wisdom to draw from. Scripture reading with a humble heart renews our mind. The Holy Spirit transforms our behavior when we listen to biblical teaching with a teachable spirit. Indeed, the Spirit brings to mind what we need in the moment! “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5-6). Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing to mind what I need to know in the moment. 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All Rights Reserved.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 19:48:50 +0000
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